CHAPTER 1

Marie’s POV

The Grand Ball

“Oh Marie, you must be so proud of your husband! Look what he has accomplished in such a short time. You both are the trending couples in town. I envy you so much Marie.”

“I wish I could marry a man like Alpha Johnson. He’s everything every Luna would need in an Alpha and more.”

“Be careful what you pray for Valerie. Some prayers are better off unanswered.” 

“You really like the title of the most loved Alpha in town Marie. You love it so much, you would rather stay at that level alone than have your sister with you.” She lets out a sarcastic laugh. 

“If I had my way Valerie, I would not even be featured in my own life scripts.” I carefully apply more Vlash to my bottom lashes. A minor attempt to hide the natural makeup given to me by the best groom in town.

“, Please. What could possibly go wrong with Alpha Johnson? Just look at the blessing the moon goddess handed to you Marie. A beautiful multi-billionaire who is extremely caring. He doesn’t miss any single detail about any of his clan members.”

“Don’t try to seem so humble.”

“Or are you saying all of this because of that Beta? Doreen?”

“Do you think Alpha Johnson has eyes for her? Or do you think she wants to steal him from you?”

“I don’t think Valerie.”

“Exactly! You’re not thinking.”

“Knock. Knock.”

A brief knock interrupts our conversation.

“You can come in.”

“It’s time for the Unveiling already. I so cannot wait. But Marie, do you have any idea about what the clan wants to unveil tonight?” Valerie asks excitedly in a way that pisses me off. 

“I have no idea Valerie. This is the hundredth time you’re asking.”

“There’s no way Alpha Johnson kept the news from you. You don’t want to spill, I get it, I get it.”

My hands find the hem of my gown very quickly and I vent my anger, making sure to squeeze the shine out of the dress.

“Alpha Johnson calls for you Luna. It is time for the unveiling.” 

Valerie squeals her way down the hall while I force my feet to move. 

I take steady breaths trying my best to calm my nerves and prepare to act in another show for the Vonn’s clan. A clan that has never accepted me as their Luna from the very first day.

As expected, the hall is filled with many prominent figures. Different Alphas here to represent their clans and sign alliances. And the ones here to observe and determine the prowess of the Vonn clan from their observation.

All eyes fall on me and a very few give me the bow every Luna deserves. The rest of them have sneers on their face. The kind that clings to a Luna like a new skin. 

I shove the displeasure and remind myself to ignore their disdainful looks. I am still the Luna after all. 

Alpha Johnson is standing by the side of the pool. With that evil mastermind Doreen right by his side. 

She has a professional look on her face. The kind she has used to deceive the clan for years. To fool them into thinking that she is nothing but a mere secretary. 

The fake smile on my face stretches. It becomes more real with every shutter of the camera and the numerous questions thrown at me. 

I know better than to give any, including the ones I can, an answer. 

“Luna Marie.” She bows politely.

I dig my fingernails into my gown deliberately. All thanks to the reflection of the pool at night, I can rest assured I was not seen. 

“Hmm.”

“Alpha Johnson.” 

“My Luna.” I force myself to maintain the fake façade and not cringe. 

There would be more than enough to say. And I do not want to be held accountable for Johnson’s downfall. That is, if he ever does fall.

“Now that my Luna is here, I believe we can proceed with the unveiling.” He slips his palm into mine. 

Like he hasn’t avoided me like a plague for the past eight months.

“How’s the baby doing?” He whispers.

“The exact way he’s been doing since you decided to let the mother undertake the burden alone.” I still plaster a fake smile on my face.

He laughs. In a cute way. In a way I know will stir hearts. Not that I particularly care about any of their silly obsessions over Johnson anyway.

“Alpha Johnson, please can we have you come cut the ribbon to this amazing project? After all, the labourer should be the first to partake from the rewards of his labour.”

“Hmm. My secretary, Doreen, can handle that. I wish to stay here with my better half.” 

I lean my head on his shoulders. Because I know, if this play fails to convey the message he wishes to, his fists would pass the message on my face. 

A ritual I am yet to be tired of. 

“Thank you so much sir. For this…” Her eyes linger between Johnson and me. And she slowly detached 

“Opportunity.”

“You deserve it. You laboured day in, day out with me. It is only right.” 

“Thank you so much sir.”

She continues to walk on the pathway near the pool. 

“Take it easy Doreen. You should have just asked Marie to let you take that path!”

“Doreen!” 

My heart drops to my stomach when I realise she’s fallen into the pool. 

“Marie!” I turn around to see Valerie coming after me very quickly.

Before I can totally understand, I feel one of my feet on the wet platform.

“Oh no.”

I try as much as I can to keep my weight steady but even something as simple as regulating your weight is an extreme sport when you have an eight-month-old cub in your stomach.

“Marie! Somebody help her!”

That’s the last thing I hear before I am engulfed totally in liquid darkness